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Bill

H 193

An act relating to a child and parent legal representation working group

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tiff Bluemle and 3 co-sponsors

Vermont would create a multi-stakeholder working group to study and recommend improved, funded, and implementable child and parent legal representation in family court.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
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Bill Summary · H 193

Bill Overview

  • Bill: H 193
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Vermont
  • Title: An act relating to a child and parent legal representation working group
  • Status: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary (2025-02-12)
  • Sponsors: Barbara Rachelson, Tiff Bluemle, Rey Garofano, Kevin Christie (co-sponsors)

Purpose and Intent

The bill proposes the creation of a working group focused on child and parent legal representation. The goal is to examine and develop recommendations related to how legal representation for children and parents involved in family law matters should be designed, funded, and implemented in Vermont. The overarching aim is to improve legal advocacy for children and parents in disputes such as custody, visitation, and protection matters, ensuring fair access to effective counsel.

Key Provisions and Changes (as typically included in a working group bill)

  • Formation of a Working Group: Establish a multi-stakeholder group to study issues surrounding child and parent representation. Members are likely to include legislators, judges, public defenders or legal services providers, child welfare experts, court administrators, legal ethics advisors, and possibly affected families or advocacy groups.
  • Scope of Study: The group would evaluate current practices, standards for representation, funding mechanisms, training requirements, ethical considerations, and potential models used in other jurisdictions.
  • Recommendations: The working group would be tasked with producing actionable recommendations to improve the quality, availability, and funding of child and parent legal representation. This could include model rules, funding streams (state/general funds, grants, or court fees), and implementation timelines.
  • Reports and Timelines: The bill would specify reporting requirements (e.g., interim and final reports) and likely set a deadline for the group to deliver findings to the Legislature.
  • Potential Implementation Instruments: Depending on recommendations, the bill may authorize subsequent legislation to enact pilot programs, statutory changes, or funding appropriations to support enhanced representation.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Children Involved in Family Court Matters: Beneficiaries of improved, informed legal advocacy.
  • Parents and Guardians: Access to better counsel and clearer understanding of legal options.
  • Courts and Administrators: Guidance on standards, training, and potential procedural reforms.
  • Legal Service Providers and Public Defenders: Possible changes in funding, training, and case assignment practices.
  • Taxpayers and State Budget: If recommendations include new or reallocated funding for representation services or pilots.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Process: Introduction and referral to the Judiciary Committee indicates initial legislative consideration, with potential for hearings, amendments, and negotiation before advancing.
  • Next Steps: The committee would review the bill, possibly seek input from stakeholders, and determine whether to draft a more detailed bill incorporating the working group’s recommendations.
  • Potential Calendar Impacts: If the working group produces recommendations, follow-on legislation could be introduced in subsequent sessions or during the same session if fast-tracked.

Additional Context

  • The bill aligns with broader concerns in many states about ensuring effective legal representation for children and parents in family law matters. By establishing a dedicated working group, Vermont would systematically assess current practices and lay groundwork for evidence-based improvements.

If you’d like, I can adapt this summary to emphasize particular aspects (e.g., funding mechanisms, stakeholder composition, or potential models used in other states) or monitor updates as the bill progresses.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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